To advise that the newly elected RMT Wessex Regional Organiser Mick Tosh takes over his new post on the 01st January 2013, his contact details are as below:
Mobile: 07900 877720
E-mail: m.tosh@rmt.org.uk
Thanks
RMT Rail Union Learning - South West Trains
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Xmas
On behalf of all the Team we would like to wish you and your Families a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.
And would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2012.
And would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2012.
Friday, 21 December 2012
New Inflation Rates
Head Office Circular No. NP/319/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Tuesday 18th December 2012
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to November 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3% for the year to November 2012, down 0.2% from the 3.2% figure to October 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.7% for the year to November 2012, unchanged from the figure to October 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest downward pressures behind the change in the RPI rate came from motoring expenditure, housing and household goods. These were partially offset by an upward pressure from food.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
October 2012 Pay Update Meetings
To advise the next Pay Talks Meeting for the October 2012 Pay anniversary has been arranged for the 01st February 2013, your negotiators at this meeting are as below:
Regional Organiser
Mick Tosh
Company Council Reps
Rickey Goodman
Michael Campbell
John Imm
We will update you further on these talks after the meeting
Monday, 17 December 2012
Revenue Targets-Commercial Guards-South West Trains
Circular No IR/699/12
To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils
Our Ref: BR2/14/2
17th December 2012
Dear Colleague
REVENUE TARGETS FOR COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Further to my Circular No IR/427/12 dated the 8th August 2012 with regards to the above matter and where I informed you that I was pursuing legal advice as to whether or not the company were in breach of our Guard member’s contract of employment and the Guards Restructuring Initiatives. Please be advised, that I have now received a legal opinion from our Solicitors and the matter has been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:
“That we note the legal opinion which is now on file stating ‘that by introducing revenue and penalty fare targets and using the poor performance procedure to enforce these, South West Trains may well be in breach of contract.’
Therefore, we instruct the General Secretary to challenge South West Trains on this issue, reminding them that this union does not recognise their unagreed policy and that any action taken against our members using this policy will not be tolerated.
Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.”
In accordance with the above, I am now carrying out the instructions of the GGC decision and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.
Best wishes.
Bob Crow
General Secretary
To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils
Our Ref: BR2/14/2
17th December 2012
Dear Colleague
REVENUE TARGETS FOR COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Further to my Circular No IR/427/12 dated the 8th August 2012 with regards to the above matter and where I informed you that I was pursuing legal advice as to whether or not the company were in breach of our Guard member’s contract of employment and the Guards Restructuring Initiatives. Please be advised, that I have now received a legal opinion from our Solicitors and the matter has been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:
“That we note the legal opinion which is now on file stating ‘that by introducing revenue and penalty fare targets and using the poor performance procedure to enforce these, South West Trains may well be in breach of contract.’
Therefore, we instruct the General Secretary to challenge South West Trains on this issue, reminding them that this union does not recognise their unagreed policy and that any action taken against our members using this policy will not be tolerated.
Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.”
In accordance with the above, I am now carrying out the instructions of the GGC decision and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.
Best wishes.
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Thursday, 6 December 2012
South West Trains Pay Talks 2012 Update
2012 South West Trains Pay Talks Update
To advise that your Negotiators below met with the Company on the 06th December 2012 to discuss the Pay anniversary date for October 2012.
The Company have made an opening offer to all Grades of 1.7% and a payment of £350.00 on all grades where their basic falls under £21,000 per year, also this a 1year offer with no offer to increase the London Allowances.
We also raised that we need to have further talks on the reduction of the Guards hours, and the company have advised that they have received ideas on how this can be achieved and have stated that they are currently putting costs to these ideas.
We have advised the Company that we are rejecting this offer and have asked the Company to look at this offer, which they have and we will be re-convening a further Pay talks meeting in January 2013, we will advise you of the date when known.
Negotiators
Pete Gale (Regional Organiser)
Company Council
Rickey Goodman
John Imm
John Donoghue
To advise that your Negotiators below met with the Company on the 06th December 2012 to discuss the Pay anniversary date for October 2012.
The Company have made an opening offer to all Grades of 1.7% and a payment of £350.00 on all grades where their basic falls under £21,000 per year, also this a 1year offer with no offer to increase the London Allowances.
We also raised that we need to have further talks on the reduction of the Guards hours, and the company have advised that they have received ideas on how this can be achieved and have stated that they are currently putting costs to these ideas.
We have advised the Company that we are rejecting this offer and have asked the Company to look at this offer, which they have and we will be re-convening a further Pay talks meeting in January 2013, we will advise you of the date when known.
Negotiators
Pete Gale (Regional Organiser)
Company Council
Rickey Goodman
John Imm
John Donoghue
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Election Result-RMT National President
O/23/8
Circular No. MF/129/12
4th December 2012
To:
The Secretary all Branches, Regional Organisers & Regional Councils
Dear Colleague,
Election of National President
Period of Office 1st January 2013 – 31st December 2015
With reference to the above, at a meeting of the Council of Executives, the report of the independent scrutineer Electoral Reform Services was considered and the following was declared elected:
Name Branch
Peter Pinkney Teesside
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Friday, 30 November 2012
RMT PAY BULLETIN November 2012
Circular No. NP/301/12
30th November 2012
H.O. Ref: R14/5
TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,
COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.
Dear Members,
RMT PAY BULLETIN
November 2012
The Office of National Statistics has published new inflation figures for the twelve months to October 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.2% for the year to October 2012, up 0.6% from the 2.6% figure to September 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.7% for the year to October 2012, up 0.5% from the 2.2% figure to September 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest upward inflationary pressures came from education costs (mainly the increase in tuition fees), food prices (particularly potatoes, fruit and confectionary) and transport costs (particularly second hand vehicles and air fares). Significant downward pressures came from housing costs (particularly gas and electricity bills) and recreation costs (mainly computer game prices).
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Recent non-RMT settlements
Company /Sector | Award | Effective From |
| Translink train drivers (TOCs & FOCs) | · 3% pay rise | 1 Apr 2013 |
| Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port (Engineering) | · 3.2% rise in basic pay | 1 Sept 2012 |
| Rolls Royce, Derby (Engineering) | · 4% rise in basic pay, backdated | 1 Mar 2012 |
Recent RMT Settlements
Company | Award | Effective From |
| Train Operating & Freight Operating Companies | ||
| Grand Central Trains | · An increase of 3.5% to basic rates of pay from 12th February 2012, with arrears of pay being paid at the earliest opportunity. · An increase to basic rates of pay by November 2012 RPI plus 0.5% from 1st January 2013, or a minimum of 3%, whichever is greater. · To implement reciprocal travel facilities with other members of the Arriva UK Trains Group as a concession. · To implement the proposed/revised structure for staff reps on which further discussions are to be held. · A commitment from Grand Central to enter into discussions to explore ways to improve terms and conditions and to work more efficiently, on a company-wide and grade specific basis provided the trade unions confirm a willingness to do the same. The initial areas to be explored are around rostering flexibility and a commitment to working together to formulate and review a number of policies. The intention is to meet before the end of the year or at the latest, early January to establish ground rules on productivity discussions and policy reviews. | 1 Jan 2013 |
| Infrastructure | ||
| Amey (Heathrow Express contract) | Year One · 2.5% increase for all employees covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement · Any employee covered by the agreement with Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be transferred to Amey Standard Sick Pay terms (SSP for the first six months of employment, then 3 months full pay followed by 3 months half pay). · Any employees on weekly pay will be transferred to monthly pay by 27th March 2013. In addition to the above and as a foundation to a year 2 agreement, the RMT will participate in an operational restructure and harmonisation review of the operational delivery at HEX. The process will commence December 2012. Year Two · A 2% increase, or the Amey Pay Review pot figure, whichever is the greater, for all employees covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective 1st April 2013. · A one-off payment of £75 to all employees covered by this agreement in their April 2013 pay in recognition of participation in the operational restructure and harmonisation review. | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Balfour Beatty Rail Renewals | · An increase of 2.5% on reference salaries with an identical increase on geographical allowances and all allowances that currently operate as a percentage of reference salary. | 1 Jan 2013 |
| Balfour Beatty Rail Plant | · An increase of 2.5% on reference salaries with an identical increase on geographical allowances and all allowances that currently operate as a percentage of reference salary. | 1 Jan 2013 |
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Monday, 26 November 2012
SOUTH WEST TRAINS PAY TALKS 2012 UPDATE
To advise all that a further Pay Talks Meeting has been arranged with the Company and this meeting will be taking place on the 06th December 2012.
As per recent updates on this the Company have not offered a % pay offer and we expect this to happen at this meeting, as the Company agreed to take away the Trade Unions submissions away for consideration.
We will keep you updated on further developments on these talks, your RMT Negotiators at this meeting will be as follows
Pete Gale (Regional Organiser)
Company Council Team
Rickey Goodman
Michael Campbell
John Imm
Friday, 2 November 2012
RMT PAY BULLETIN
Circular No. NP/268/12
1st November 2012
H.O. Ref: R14/5
TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,
COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.
Dear Members,
RMT PAY BULLETIN
October 2012
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to September 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.9% figure to August 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.2% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.5% figure to August 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from housing costs (particularly domestic energy and water bills). Significant upward pressure came from transport costs, specifically diesel and petrol costs.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Recent non-RMT settlements
Company /Sector | Award | Effective From |
| Hitachi (Engineering) | · 3.5% pay rise and an additional one off Olympic pay rise of 0.5%. · Reduction in weekly hours from 42 to 39.5, equates to four hours off each six day turn (times to be agreed). · During the Olympic period (between 26th July and 14th August inclusive) a temporary maintenance roster will be implemented for all (consisting of two earlies and four night shifts). There will be a skeleton team on late shift formed of a team leader, team admin, one driver/DP and one other experienced shift member. · All shift staff that work during the Olympic period will receive a £50 bonus payment per shift in recognition of the demands and adherence to the temporary roster. During the 12 shift period, the maximum bonus that will be attainable is £600. · Annual leave is to be governed as normal (two shift members off at any time) and overtime will be paid at normal rates. | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Gulf Offshore (Shipping) | · 1% rise in basic pay · ‘Foundation bonus’ for employees with start date prior to 1 Oct 1990 | - |
Recent RMT Settlements
Company | Award | Effective From |
| Infrastructure | ||
| Amey | Two year deal: Year one · A 3% increase, effective from the earlier anniversary date of 1st March 2012, which is a permanent change. Year Two (2013) · A 2.5% increase or the Amey Group Pay Pot, whichever is greater. Extension of Collective Bargaining · As part of this agreement, the Company will bring all employees within Amey Inter Urban bands A-C who were previously on personal contracts back into Collective Bargaining Agreements with immediate effect. Amey will provide a list of these employees as soon as possible but no later than 15th November 2012. · All staff coming back into Collective Bargaining this year will receive the full benefits of this pay deal rather than an imposed 1.75% increase. · The principle of not recognising joint recognition for some job titles has now been dropped by the Company. Collective Bargaining Opt-Out · As part of the offer to extend Collective Bargaining, there will be a one-off opt-out for those that wish to remain on a personal contract. There will be a seven day window to opt-out, new starters will be in Collective Bargaining and the Company will remain neutral on this decision. Those that opt-out will not receive the enhanced Collective Bargaining pay rise. · It is anticipated that only a handful of staff will opt-out and these are likely to be Senior and Principle Engineers etc. Allowances · The Company is proposing further talks to achieve standardisation/harmonisation across Amey within an agreed time frame and a joint working party will be established. Travelling Time · The Company has recognised that this is a cause for concern from a Health and Safety and work life balance perspective. A separate working party will be established to review travelling time within an agreed time frame. | 1 Mar 2012 |
| Workshop/Train maintenance | ||
| Unipart Rail Doncaster |
o Commence consultation on vehicle loading – to transfer this activity to Bibby. o Commitment to enter into discussions with regards annual leave authorisation. o Commitment to enter into discussions to explore annualised hours working in the warehouse. o Commitment to enter into discussions on Managers working in the line (not only when all other avenues have been explored). | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Bus and Road Transport | ||
| DHL Prudhoe | · 2.5% increase to annual salaries. · An additional days paid bereavement leave for direct family members. · Company also gave commitment to review use of agency/temporary workers with an aspiration to move towards full time or fixed term employees. | 1 Jul 2012 |
| Hants & Dorset Trim | · Immediate 1% increase in all rates of pay. | 1 Nov 2012 |
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
New Inflation Rates
Head Office Circular No. NP/0237/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Tuesday 16th October 2012
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to September 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.9% figure to August 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.2% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.5% figure to August 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from housing costs (particularly domestic energy and water bills). Significant upward pressure came from transport costs, specifically diesel and petrol costs.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Friday, 5 October 2012
RMT PAY BULLETIN
Circular No. NP/223/12
1st October 2012
H.O. Ref: R14/5
TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,
COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.
Dear Members,
RMT PAY BULLETIN
September 2012
The Office of National Statistics has published new inflation figures for the twelve months to August 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.9% for the year to August 2012, down 0.3% from the 3.2% figure to July 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.5% for the year to August 2012, down 0.1% from the 2.6% figure to July 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from household goods, housing & household services (particularly gas bills), clothing & footwear and food. The only significant upward pressure came from motor fuels, fares & other travel costs.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Recent non-RMT settlements
Company /Sector | Award | Effective From |
| GKN Aerospace Yeovil (Engineering) | · 3% rise in basic pay | 1 Jun 2012 |
| Maersk Offshore (Shipping) | · 4% rise in basic pay | - |
Recent RMT Settlements
Company | Award | Effective From |
| Shipping | ||
| Carnival Cruises |
| 1 May 2012 |
| Infrastructure | ||
| Signaling Solutions | · 2.75% increase to basic salary | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Workshop/Train maintenance | ||
| Wabtec | Two year deal · First Year: 3.5% increase or £600, whichever is the greater, from 1st April 2012 to 6th January 2013. · Second Year: 3.3% increase or £570, whichever is the greater, from 6th January 2013 to 6th April 2014. | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Bus and Road Transport | ||
| DHL Enfield Drivers | Two year deal · Year One: A 2% increase backdated to 1st April 2012. · Year Two: A 2% increase effective from 1st April 2013. | 1 Apr 2012 |
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
New Inflation Rates
Head Office Circular No. NP/0216/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Tuesday 18th September 2012
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to August 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.9% for the year to August 2012, down 0.3% from the 3.2% figure to July 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.5% for the year to July 2012, down 0.1% from the 2.6% figure to July 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from household goods, housing & household services (particularly gas bills), clothing & footwear and food. The only significant upward pressure came from motor fuels, fares & other travel costs.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Friday, 7 September 2012
Circular No. NP/201/12
31st August 2012
H.O. Ref: R14/5
TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,
COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.
Dear Members,
RMT PAY BULLETIN
August 2012
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to July 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.2% for the year to July 2012, up 0.4% from the 2.8% figure to June 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to July 2012, up 0.2% from the 2.4% figure to June 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest upward pressures on the change in the RPI rate came from the purchase of cars, air fares, clothing & footwear and housing.
Additionally, with RPI at 3.2% rail fares are set to increase by an average of 6.2% (RPI + 3%) in January 2013.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Recent non-RMT settlements
Company /Sector | Award | Effective From |
| BAE Clyde (Engineering) | · 3% rise in basic pay | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Mersey Docks & Humber Company (Shipping) | · 3% pay increase | 1 Jun 2012 |
| Boots Logistics (Road Transport) | · 2% basic pay increase | 1 Jun 2012 |
| Babcock Marine Rosyth (Engineering) | · 3% rise in basic pay | 1 Apr 2012 |
Recent RMT Settlements
Company | Award | Effective From |
| Train Operating Companies & Freight Operating Companies | ||
| Northern Rail | Two year deal · First Year: 3.5% increase or £600, whichever is the greater, from 1st April 2012 to 6th January 2013. · Second Year: 3.3% increase or £570, whichever is the greater, from 6th January 2013 to 6th April 2014. | 1 Apr 2012 |
| Bus and Road Transport | ||
| Stagecoach South (Winchester Drivers) | · Backdated pay increase of 1% · 0.5% effective 5th August 2012 · 2% increase effective from 30th December 2012. · Next full pay review effective from 29th Dec 2013 | 25 Dec 2011 |
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Steve Hedley – Assistant General Secretary
To: All Branches and Regional Councils
O/23/13
Circular No MF/71/12
16th August 2012
Dear Colleague
Steve Hedley – Assistant General Secretary
With reference to circular number MF/65/12, 2nd August 2012, I can confirm that Brother Steve Hedley will commence his position as Assistant General Secretary from 1st September 2012.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
New Inflation Rates
Head Office Circular No. NP/0188/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Tuesday 14th August 2012
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to July 2012. The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.2% for the year to July 2012, up 0.4% from the 2.8% figure to June 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to July 2012, up 0.2% from the 2.4% figure to June 2012.
According to the ONS, the largest upward pressures on the change in the RPI rate came from the purchase of cars, air fares, clothing & footwear and housing.
Additionally, with RPI at 3.2% rail fares are set to increase by an average of 6.2% (RPI + 3%) in January 2013.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Monday, 23 July 2012
New Inflation Rates
Head Office Circular No. NP/0165/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Tuesday 17th July 2012
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to June 2012. The inflation figures for the year to July 2012 will be published on 14th August.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.8% for the year to June 2012, down 0.3% from the 3.1% figure to May 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.4% for the year to May 2012, down 0.4% from the 2.8% figure to May 2012.
According to the ONS, the falls in the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages exerted the most significant downward pressure on both rates of inflation between April and May. The cost of motor fuels also had a negative impact on the CPI rate.
RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2011 – South West Trains
Our ref: BR2/0001/SWT
20TH July 2012
Dear colleague,
Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2011 – South West Trains
(Includes Olympic Payment Agreement)
I write further to my correspondence dated 19th July 2012 in which I informed you of the result of the ballot regarding the above matter.
I take this opportunity to congratulate you and your colleagues on sending such a strong message to management that they cannot just ignore the impact the Olympics games will have on your working life.
Your union’s Executive met to discuss the way forward and have taken the decision to call industrial action short of a strike at the times set out below:
- All members are instructed not to work any overtime or rest days between 00.01 hours on Friday 27th July 2012 and 23.59 hours on Sunday 12th August 2012
- This action does not include pre-rostered Sunday turns for all Retail/Unrestructured Staff.
We have informed the company of this decision and of the fact that your union remains available for talks to resolve this dispute.
We must show the company that their unreasonable expectations for you to take on extra work during the Olympics without any recognition from them is not acceptable. I urge you and your colleagues to stand strong and stand together, unity is strength.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
Monday, 2 July 2012
RMT begins Olympics payments ballots on three main train services this week
NEWS RELEASE
July 2 2012
Immediate
RMT begins Olympics payments ballots on three main train services this week
RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that balloting for strike action and action short of a strike will begin this week on three main train services:
* South West Trains
* Greater Anglia
* First Great Western
Ballot papers will be sent to members this week with the votes closing on thursday 19th July.
The ballots come as RMT confirmed that it has now concluded substantial recognition and reward agreements on First Capital Connect, C2C, Chiltern, East Midlands Trains and East Coast to add to the industry benchmarked deals on Heathrow Express, Virgin, Network Rail, DLR and London Underground amongst others.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
"With deals now concluded that recognise the massive additional effort of the workforce on the vast majority of transport operators it is a scandal that SW Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western have decided to try and force their staff to work longer and harder for little or nothing in return.
"We all want the Olympics to be a success but we cannot have fairness on some train companies and a slap round the face on others.
"It is rail staff who will be sticking in the extra work required to deliver the transport challenge of the Olympics, these train companies will be making a killing from the extra passengers and services and they should have the decency to match the best practice on payments across the rest of the industry.
"RMT is campaigning for a massive yes vote in these ballots and we remain available for meaningful talks to resolve these disputes mindful that the clock is ticking down."
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Special Meeting-RMT in dispute with SWT-Olympics Payment
To advise all that Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) will be in attendance to address the Meeting on Tuesday 03rd July 2012 Start at 18-30pm, venue is below.
Bob will be addressing the Meeting in relation to South West Trains moving outside the 2011 Pay Agreement by trying to implement special rosters and declining leave during the Olympic period after committing to say as part of the agreement that it would be business as usual and normal Arrangements will apply for all SWT Staff.
The RMT have served notice of ballot to South West Trains, and the ballot will open on Thursday 06th July 2012, and will be sent to all members home addresses.
We have had reports that Managers are going around speaking to members of staff asking them how they are going to vote, this is a private and secure ballot and members should not be put under pressure by SWT. the RMT negotiators are available at an time to meet South West Trains management to discuss this issue with them, but their response at a meeting a few weeks ago was that there is no more money, and stated to us “Go and have your Ballot, and then said that they will do everything they can to stop it.
We would urge all members to Vote Yes for Industrial Action and Action short of Strike…..
Come along to this important meeting and hear your National Officers address the Meeting and to give you a current update on this Dispute, and will give you the opportunity to ask questions.
Venue
Windsor Castle Public House
Exit St Johns Entrance from Clapham Junction Station turn right outside and the venue is 3 minutes walk from the entrance.
Tuesday 03rd July 2012
Start Time 18-30pm
Friday, 29 June 2012
Transport bosses average £1 million pay
NEWS RELEASE
June 27, 2012
Transport bosses average £1 million pay
The bosses of the ‘big five’ private transport operators have pocketed an average £1 million each in pay, bagging an aggregate pay rise worth a shade shy of 20 per cent, according to their most recent company accounts, a study by transport union RMT reveals today.
As bus and rail passengers face fares hikes of a minimum of six per cent and service cuts, the news that transport bosses have followed the city trend to give themselves bumper pay packages will be greeted with anger and dismay, the union says.
Deepest in the trough was National Express boss Ray O’Toole, whose 110 per cent pay hike took him to £1.3 million.
Not far behind was Brian Souter, the Stagecoach chief whose £1.2 million pay last year was 35 per cent more than the year before – and that’s on top of his £51 million share of the £340 million dividend the company paid out, days after increasing some rail fares by as much as 13 per cent.
Arriva Group boss David Martin saw his pay increase by just under eight per cent to £803,000. Go-Ahead Group chief Keith Ludeman suffered a pay cut – but still walked away with £1.2 million, while Tim O’Toole of First Group had to make do with only £579,000.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said:
“These figures show once more that it is one rule for working people and another for their bosses.
“It is an absolute disgrace for transport bosses to be shovelling these vast sums into their own bank accounts when passengers are being fleeced and rail and bus workers are being told to tighten their belts, work harder and face losing tens of thousands of jobs.
“RMT has said from the start that transport privatisation boils down to a crude device for converting public subsidy into private profit, but these telephone-number salaries are an insult to passengers and transport workers alike.”
ends
Further information: Derek Kotz, 07939 595 092
Notes to editors: Figures taken from most recent company accounts:
Company Highest-paid director
National Express Group Ray O'Toole £1.3 million (31 December 2010)
(£644,000 in Dec 2009 +110.5%)
Rail franchises: c2c
Stagecoach Group Brian Souter £1.2 million (30 April 2011)
(£897,000 in Apr 2010 +35%)
Rail franchises: South West Trains, East Midlands Trains
Arriva Group David Martin £803,000 (31 Dec 2010)
(£743,635 Dec 2009 +7.9%)
Rail franchises: Arriva Trains Wales, Cross Country Trains
Go-Ahead Group Keith Ludeman £1.1 million (2 July 2011)
(£1,240,000 Jul 2010 -6.6%)
Rail franchises: Southeastern, Southern, London Midland
First Group Tim O’Toole £579,000 (31 Mar 2011)
(£643,000 Mar 2010 - 9.9%)
Rail franchises: First Capital Connect, First Great Western, First Hull Trains, Transpennine Express, ScotRail
Monday, 25 June 2012
SPECIAL BRANCH MEETING-OLYMPICS-SOUTH WEST TRAINS DISPUTE
As you are all aware the RMT are in dispute with South West Trains, and this is due to the Company moving outside of the 2011 Pay Agreement as part of the Olympics as they advised us that it would be Business as Usual and normal arrangements would apply this being all rosters/leave apllications and Terms and Conditions will remain as they are today.
We were also advised that there would be minimum extra services during the Olympic period this is not the case as there are more than minimal extra trains, and the company have also attempted to introduce new rosters and to decline applications of leave.
In light of the above we have arranged a Special Meeting at Clapham Junction and the details of this meeting is below, in attendance at this meeting will be RMT National Officers who will be addressing the meeting which will include Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary) Sean Hoyle (RMT Wessex Executive Member) who will update you on this Dispute and the truth as to why your Union is in dispute with the Company and also be arranging a ballot for Strike action.
The Special Meeting will take place on:
03rd July 2012 Start Time at 18-30pm (Venue Windsor Castle Public House) 3 minutes walk from Clapham Junction Station Main Station (exit St Johns Entrance)
A poster with all the details on this meeting and a brief update on this dispute is attached to this e-mail, along with a Update from RMT on this dispute is also attached., copies of the posters will also be distributed to all locations shortly.
Please try and attend this special Meeting, and this Union would urge all SWT Members to Vote Yes for industrial Action and Action short of Strike
FIGHT CONTINUES FOR OLYMPICS PAYMENTS AT TRAIN OPERATORS AND TFL
NEWS RELEASE
June 25 2012
Immediate
FIGHT CONTINUES FOR OLYMPICS PAYMENTS AT TRAIN OPERATORS AND TFL
ON THE first full day of the RMT AGM in Torquay delegates are set to hear reports from the continuing fight for Olympics payments at three major train operators and Transport for London.
Although RMT has secured fair payments at a number of companies including Network Rail, Virgin Trains, London Overground. Heathrow Express, DLR and London Underground the union is in dispute and balloting at three key TOC's - South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western - and has announced industrial action for centrally employed TFL staff.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
"The fight for fairness over Olympics payments goes on and we are determined to secure deals for our remaining members in dispute which match industry best practice,
"The sheer brass neck of a company like First Great Western saying that we are demanding "money for nothing on a grand scale" when they have ripped off hundreds of millions in profits and subsidies from a franchise that they are now pulling the plug on is breathtaking.
"We have ballots in preparation at South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western and action on the way at TFL and our message to all those employers as the clock ticks down is to play fair by their staff who will be generating massive additional profits durung the Games and give them a decent reward in return for the extra effort."
Friday, 22 June 2012
SOUTH WEST TRAINS – OLYMPIC PAYMENT
Circular concerning SWT for your attention & distribution.
(Branch Secretaries) Hard copy in the post.
20th June 2012
FAO: ALL SWT REPS & Rail Branch Secretaries
Dear Colleagues
SOUTH WEST TRAINS – OLYMPIC PAYMENT
I am sure you will be aware that I have been holding talks with South West Trains in the company of your Company Council representatives in an attempt to re-open the discussions surrounding the Olympic Games, and a payment from the company to reflect the extra workload that our that our members will have to undertake during the Olympic period. You are I am sure aware that some months ago we concluded the 2011 pay talks, and part of the agreement reached with the company at that time was to accept a 0.25% additional payment on the rates of pay to reflect the extra work engendered by the Olympic games. You will also be aware that the term used by the company in their offer was that they were prepared to offer this small additional increase on the rates of pay for the Olympics, because the changes they intended to put in were minimal and it would be business as usual. Now as time has moved on and we fast approach the Olympic Games we are discovering that there are numerous extra services being deployed by South West Trains during the Olympic period which far exceeds our understanding of the term minimal. In addition to that we have reports coming in to us on a regular basis of isolated incidents where Local Managers are declining leave because it’s the Olympic Games, and also attempting to impose special rosters for the Olympic period. To be fair to the company when we pointed these incidences out to them they took immediate action to reinstruct their Local Managers, and as far as we know all of those incidents of leave being declined and rosters being imposed have been dealt with and we have reverted to the status quo, but my concern is that there will continue to be further incidences going forward.
I have to tell you that last week was the final attempt on our behalf to meet with the company and resolve this matter before the ballot papers came out to our members asking you to vote on Industrial Action to pursue this dispute. I have unfortunately got to tell you that the talks were not successful and the company’s position became abundantly clear at that meeting. It was simply put by them that they did not feel that they are stepping outside of the agreement reached with us some months ago, and that the additional services they are running are indeed minimal and it is business as usual. You will appreciate that our position as your Union representatives was also clearly put to them that we do not consider what they are doing to be
either ‘minimal’ or ‘business as usual’, and therefore we would seek to re-visit the 0.25% payment that they made to us last year to reflect this, and what we were seeking on your behalf was a one-off compensatory payment of a significant sum of money to compensate our staff for the extra work they are going to have to do over that period, this is in line with similar agreements reached with other Train Operating Companies for the Olympic period. The company’s position was clearly put to us at that meeting that there was no more money and that they felt that we were acting dishonorably in asking for more. They were not prepared to talk about changes to the pay deal that we negotiated some months ago, and their responses to our demands became evermore negative and indeed quite aggressive. They were not prepared in any way, shape or form to acknowledge that what they were doing was at the very least outside of the spirit of the agreement we reached with them some months ago, and they’ve felt that they had obviously done a deal with us that benefited them more than it benefited us and their attitude was ‘well look when you do deals, you win some and you lose some, and perhaps on this you’ve lost some but you have to swallow it and get on with it, and stick by the deal you’ve made’ they went on to say that ‘sometimes when we do deals between the two organizations we look back afterwards and think, well that wasn’t a particularly good deal for us and clearly on this occasion you feel the same, but whichever way it goes you have to honor the deal that you have signed up to.’ I have to say on this occasion I think that this is somewhat disingenuous on their behalf, and that they are steadfastly refusing to acknowledge the obvious truth that they did lead us down the garden path some months ago, and were not straight and truthful and honest with us at the time, and conned us into accepting that 0.25% increase. They are now sitting back with a smile on their face feeling that they have got away with something and are not prepared to face up to their obligations of compensating their staff adequately for the additional work that is going to have to be undertaken.
I can tell you that the talks ended quite acrimoniously, and it became abundantly clear that they were not prepared to move forward on this matter at all at this time, and they finished by saying ‘go and have your ballot and we will do what we can to defeat it.’ I would ask all members therefore to help your negotiating team by voting overwhelmingly ‘ Yes’ when the ballot papers come out shortly in relation to this dispute, so that we can ask for further talks with the company in the sure and certain knowledge that we have the support of the membership behind us when we go to speak to them. I do feel that this is a matter upmost principle for the RMT in as much as we have been duped by South West Trains into accepting a pittance of a rise for the Olympic Games, and we must support the membership by rectifying that and achieving a sensible financial reward for you now. We all need to work together on this, and I can assure you that your negotiating team is ready to meet with the company again at anytime, and all we need now is your support to enable us to achieve that. It is essential that we return an overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote for Industrial Action and I would ask that this circular is posted on all local notice boards and brought to the attention of members at branch meetings, so that there is no doubt amongst our membership up and down the line of what our position is, and it will be clear to them what we are asking them to do when the ballot papers drop through the letterbox.
Yours Sincerely,
P.R.Gale
Pete Gale
Regional Organiser
Wessex Division
Mobile: 07946 386762
Email: p.gale@rmt.org.uk
Friday, 15 June 2012
RMT hits back at South West Trains’ “Olympic lies”
www.rmt.org.uk
NEWS RELEASE
June 15, 2012
RMT hits back at South West Trains’ “Olympic lies”
BRITAIN’S BIGGEST rail union hit back today against “Olympic lies” being told by South West Trains after the company reneged on a “business as usual” promise over the games.
RMT is preparing to ballot its members at the company for industrial action after the company attempted to impose extra workloads, new rosters and a ban on leave despite a promise attached to last year’s pay agreement that the Olympics would mean “minimal” extra work.
The company has since admitted that at least 80,000 extra passengers a day are expected to pass through Waterloo, has timetabled substantial extra services and later running, has leased extra rolling stock, and has begun turning down requests for leave during the games.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said:
“South West Trains made a promise attached to last year’s pay deal that there would be minimal change for the workforce during the games and this has turned out to be completely false.
“We now know that every grade at the company faces substantially increased workloads and the prospect of enforced extra hours and leave requests being turned down, and that means that the company has reneged on last year’s deal.
“The company’s latest bulletin to staff, issued after yesterday’s talks, is a work of fiction that our negotiating team does not recognise.
“Rather than spread these Olympic lies, the company should be sitting down with us to negotiate a fair deal for SWT staff that recognises the substantial additional burden they will face, just as other train-operating companies have already done.”
ends
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
OLYMPICS PAYMENT-PRESS RELEASE-SOUTH WEST TRAINS
NEWS RELEASE
June 13 2012
Immediate
RMT to ballot South West Trains staff for action as company reneges on Olympics arrangements
RAIL UNION RMT announced today that is to ballot staff on South West Trains for industrial action after the company reneged on Olympics agreements linked to this year’s pay settlement and attempted to impose a new regime that would force staff to work longer hours on extended services for nothing in return for the entire duration of the games.
This year’s pay agreement was accepted by staff following assurances from the company stating that there would minimal impact and that it would be “Business as Usual” during the Olympic/Paralympic period.
Recent developments show that his is clearly not the case as the company is now advertising additional trains and later running over the entire period. South West Trains (SWT) has hired extra rolling stock and has hired extra staff. Also, extra crews will be on standby, cleaners will have an increased work load, as will platform staff, ticket office staff, guards and the rest of the team.
SWT have issued no guarantees that existing rosters and agreed working patterns will be honoured without enforced overtime for all grades.RMT members report SWT managers admitting that an extra 80,000 passengers per day would be using Waterloo. SWT’s website confirms later running and additional services throughout the games periods including special timetables for the rowing at Eton and the sailing at Weymouth.
As a result RMT has declared a formal dispute and has begun preparations for a ballot for both strike action and action short of a strike.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“Other train operators, notably Heathrow Express this week, have negotiated agreements with RMT that recognise the added pressures of the Olympics. South West Trains have taken a different approach, reneging on earlier agreements and instead trying to bully staff into accepting enforced increases to working hours and workload with nothing in return.
“RMT will not stand by and watch while agreements and procedures are trampled in the dirt purely in the interests of profit as SWT exploit the games for their own benefit at our member’s expense. We remain available for talks aimed at resolving this dispute and the ball is now firmly in the companies court.”
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Olympics Payments-South West Trains
Our ref: BR2/0001/SWT
11th June 2012
Dear colleague,
Olympic Payments – South West Trains
Referring to the referendum held last year on the pay offer which members voted to accept, I write to you again to inform you of matters that have since arisen in regard to the 2012 Olympics.
I draw your attention to one of the points of the pay offer in which an extra ¼ % was tabled to cover the Olympics. Acceptance was based on the company stating that there would minimal impact and that it would be “Business as Usual” during the Olympic/Paralympic period.
This is clearly not the case as the company is advertising additional trains and later running over the entire period. South West Trains (SWT) has hired extra rolling stock and has hired extra staff. Also, extra crews will be on standby, cleaners will have an increased work load, as will platform staff, ticket office staff, guards etc. SWT have issued no guarantees that existing rosters and agreed diagrams will be honoured without enforced overtime for all grades. Indeed, a SWT manager was heard to say that an extra 80,000 passengers per day would be using Waterloo and I am enclosing a copy of the extra services taken from the SWT website for your reference so you can see how this will impact on your work/life balance.
Other Train Operating companies are rewarding their staff for extra work during the Olympic period. For example, the Heathrow Express deal gives their staff the potential to earn an extra £700 plus no extended hours to booked diagrams; East Coast have offered a lump sum of £300 plus an extra £25 per shift on top of normal overtime payments and Voith cleaners are to receive a payment of an extra £400 for the Olympic period. If other TOCs and cleaning companies can make these rewards, I cannot see why SWT cannot reward you.
It is the view of your union that SWT have been disingenuous from the beginning and this is definitely 100% NOT what your union signed up to. RMT will not stand idly by and allow the company to ride roughshod over hard-won existing procedures, rosters and diagrams. Your union’s Executive Committee has considered the matter and it is appalled at the deceitful manner in which SWT has conducted itself.
The Executive have come to the conclusion that there can be no option but to declare that we are in dispute with the company and ballot you all for industrial action. Papers will be distributed soon and I strongly urge you all to vote for industrial action. With a robust mandate for industrial action from yourselves we can show SWT that we will not tolerate their underhand tactics to try and scam you out of a fair payment for the extra work that the Olympics will generate.
MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR VOTE
VOTE ‘YES’ FOR STRIKE ACTION AND INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE
Yours Sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Friday, 1 June 2012
JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL
Circular No IR/288/12
TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS
Our Ref: BR2/15/4
1st June 2012
Dear Colleague
JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL
Further to my Circular No IR/203/12 dated the 19th April 2012 with regards to the above matter and where I informed you of the ‘alliance’ project between South West Trains and Network Rail, I now write to advise you that I have received further correspondence from the company confirming that the ‘alliance’ came into effect on the 29th April 2012.
The matter has again been considered by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:
“That we note the report from our Lead Officer outlining the latest position regarding the ‘Alliance’ between South West Trains and Network Rail and instruct the General Secretary to place all future information regarding alliances programmes involving Train Operating Companies and Network Rail in one file and to formulate a uniform response. Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”
I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.
Best wishes.
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Friday, 25 May 2012
RMT Office Opening Hours - Spring Bank Holiday/Queen's Diamond Jubilee 4th & 5th June 2012
To: All Branches & Regional Councils
Ref: MFP/137
Circular No. MF/42/12
31st May 2012
Dear colleague
RMT Office Opening Hours - Spring Bank Holiday/Queen's Diamond Jubilee
4th & 5th June 2012
With reference to the above, I would like to advise you that the Head Office and Regional Offices’ opening arrangements during this Bank Holiday period are as follows:
Monday 4th June
The offices and the RMT Helpline will be closed.
Tuesday 5th June
While the RMT Helpline will be closed, the offices will be offering a reduced service between 09.00 and 17.00 hours.
Please note that the RMT Helpline will be operating on Saturday 2nd June between 09.30 and 16.00 hours.
The offices and RMT Helpline will re-open on Wednesday 6th June.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
New Inflation Rates
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Head Office Circular No. NP/0117/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to April 2012. The next inflation figures will be published on 19th June.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.5% for the year to April 2012, down 0.1% from the 3.6% figure to March 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.0% for the year to April 2012, down 0.5% from the 3.5% figure to March 2012.
The ONS cite transport fares, alcohol off-sales, clothing and the purchase of motor vehicles as the most significant drivers of the drop in annual inflation between March and April.
In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by the current rates of inflation.
Yours Sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Sunday, 29 April 2012
JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL
Circular No IR/203/12
TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS
Our Ref: BR2/15/4
19th April 2012
Dear Colleagues
JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL
Our South West Trains Representatives recently attended a meeting in relation to the formation of an “Alliance” between SWT and Network Rail. The General Grades Committee has had opportunity considered this matter and has taken the following decision:
“This union is appalled at the ‘Alliance’ project between South West Trains and Network Rail. This is a clear attempt to reintroduce the profit motive into track which led to previous railway disasters. We reject this policy and state our total opposition, we reiterate our policy for a publically accountable nationalised network, and that these alliances are part of the introduction of the McNulty report.
We note that Tim Shoveller has been appointed Managing Director of the SWT/NR Alliance Board. The General Secretary is instructed to continue the national campaign of protest against McNulty and to defend all jobs, terms and conditions of our members. We welcome that over 30 Trade Union Councils have responded to our campaign to highlight the devastation on our railway driven by greed infested profiteers, further we note that the TUC joint Trade Union campaign against McNulty is due to meet on the 16th April 2012.
Further this General Grades Committee instruct the General Secretary to place the following matter before the next General Grades Committee ‘Industrial Strategy – McNulty Report’, this will enable this union to build a united industrial strategy to defend all jobs, pay and conditions in railway industry. The industrial campaign will involve Train Operating Companies, Infrastructure and Operations therefore the General Secretary is instructed to lead this campaign.”
Enclosed for your information purposes is a copy of South West Trains’ paperwork which includes a questions and answers document on the “Alliance” project. I would be obliged if you will bring this to the attention of your members.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
New Inflation Rates
Head Office Circular No. NP/089/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to March 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.6% for the year to March 2012, down 0.1% from the 3.7% figure to February 2012.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.5% for the year to March 2012, up 0.1% from the 3.4% figure to February 2011.
The ONS cited the prices of fruit, bread, cereals and meat as all rising slightly this year, whereas last year they had seen large falls.
In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by the current rates of inflation.
Yours Sincerely
Bob Crow,
General Secretary
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Peter Gale – Wessex Regional Organiser
Ref: 0/9/1
Circular No. MF/29/12
5th April 2012
To: All Branches and Regional Councils
Dear Colleagues,
Peter Gale – Wessex Regional Organiser
Further to Circular No. MF/16/12, 9th February 2012, I am pleased to advise that following Peter Gale’s gradual return to work on Monday 13th February, he will recommence his full duties as Regional Organiser for the Wessex Region on Tuesday 10th April.
I would like to place on record my thanks to Peter Skelly, Relief Regional Organiser (South), for covering the position and all the work carried out during this period. Following Peter Gale’s full return, Peter Skelly will return to his former post.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Special Monitoring of Guards (SWT)
Circular No IR/159/12
To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils
Our Ref: BR2/4/7
29th March 2012
Dear Colleagues
SPECIAL MONITORING OF GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 17th February 2011 (IR/39/11), the General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:
“That we note the developments from our Regional Organiser on file, stating that he is unaware of any serious developments regarding this matter. Further we reaffirm our stance as outlined in our previous decision G253, 1st March 2011 and instruct the General Secretary to write to all relevant Branches requesting feedback on any issues relating to B16 & B22 Special Monitoring of Guards procedures. All relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”
In line with the above, I would be most grateful if South West Trains Branches could give this matter their earliest attention and report back any outstanding issues they have on the Special Monitoring of Guards procedures to Head Office.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Monday, 20 February 2012
New Inflation Rates
Tuesday 14th February 2012
Head Office Circular No. NP/032/12
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to January 2012. The next release date will be the 20th March 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.9% for the year to January 2012, down 0.9% from the 4.8% figure to December 2011.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.6% for the year to January 2012, down 0.6% from the 4.2% figure to December 2011.
RPI has fallen to the lowest rate it has been since February 2010 when it stood at 3.7%. The largest downward pressures to the change in RPI annual inflation between December 2011 and January 2012 came from motoring expenditure, alcoholic drinks, food, and tobacco.
The largest downward pressures to the change in CPI in annual inflation between December 2011 and January 2012 came from fuels & lubricants, products bought in restaurants & cafes, tobacco, vehicle maintenance & repair, the purchase of new vehicles and alcoholic beverages. Annual CPI inflation has fallen by 1.2% since November 2011, the biggest fall over a period of two consecutive months since October and December 2008.
In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by the current rates of inflation.
Yours Sincerely
Bob Crow,
General Secretary
Friday, 10 February 2012
NETWORK RAIL AND SOUTH WEST TRAINS
TO: THE SECRETARY
ALL BRANCHES & REGIONAL COUNCILS
EXECUTIVE & HO OFFICERS
Circular No. NP/026/12
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
NETWORK RAIL AND SOUTH WEST TRAINS
I write to report on the meeting I attended with Network Rail yesterday. The company outlined their proposal that, as of the 1st April 2012, an alliance will be set up between Network Rail and South West Trains to make the infrastructure and TOCs work in better cooperation.
Of course this is McNulty being rolled out. The company said the employees’ contract would not change and they have not got a safety case yet. We demanded our representatives are fully consulted and their proposals are not rolled out until fully agreed.
But quite clearly the foundations are being laid for one of these alliances because the South West Trains’ one is only a trial to be sold off completely to the private sector.
We stipulated our policy of full nationalisation but if we could not achieve that then Network Rail should be allowed to run a TOC. This could then lay the foundations to run all TOCS eventually.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
NATIONAL UNION OF RAIL, MARITIME & TRANSPORT WORKERS
GENERAL GRADES COMMITTEE
Ref:
Subject
BR2/0001/SWT
Rates Of Pay And Conditions Of Service 2011 – South West Trains
That we note the referendum\ballot result is a s follows:-
Total votes cast ...................866
Number voting “Yes” ..................770.
Number voting “No” ..................96..
Spoilt Papers ....................0
We note the referendum result and accordingly instruct the General Secretary to inform the Company of our acceptance of the offer.
Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.
Date
Decision
Absentees
7/2/12
Thursday, 2 February 2012
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE INFORMATION STRATEGY – SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Circular No IR/61/12
To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils
Our Ref: BR2/15/1
2nd February 2012
Dear Colleagues
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE INFORMATION STRATEGY – SOUTH WEST TRAINS
I have received proposals from South West Trains to transfer the Customer Service Centre at Southampton into Stagecoach Services Ltd. The company are proposing that all future employees are to be employed on Stagecoach Services Ltd terms and conditions and are asking staff to sign individual acceptance letters. SWT are also unwilling to guarantee recognition for this union and our sister union TSSA at Southampton Customer Service Centre and the company does not recognise this transfer as falling under the TUPE Regulations.
The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:
“That we note the report on file and the serious implications the company’s proposals could have on our members. The setting up of Stagecoach Service Ltd is clearly a manoeuvre by the company to create a two tier workforce, that has no other remit than to reduce terms and conditions.
Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to take this issue up with SWT immediately and for a full report to be placed back before us at the earliest opportunity. Further we instruct the General Secretary to obtain a legal opinion on the full proposals and for this opinion to be placed back before us within fourteen days. Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”
I will now be acting on the instructions of this decision and I will keep you advised of any developments.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Our Ref: BR2/0001/SWT
23rd January 2012
Dear Colleagues,
RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Further to my letter of 17th January, members will be aware of the
decision taken to conduct a referendum of affected members regarding the
above.
Unfortunately, due to problems with the distribution of voting papers in
some areas, it is necessary to rerun this referendum. The new voting
papers will be sent out to members' home address tomorrow and the new
closing date is Tuesday 7th February 2012.
All other details will remain the same. Apologies for any inconvenience
caused.
Yours Sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Ballot for South West Trains 2011 Pay Offer
To advise that the referendum Ballot Papers are being sent to all RMT Members within South West Trains, to vote on the pay offer of 4.75%
For those members who do not receive the ballot papers please call Freephone 0800-376-3706 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk or contact your local Representative or Branch Secretary.
Friday, 20 January 2012
RMT & TSSA Merger
Ref: O/5/1
Circular No. MF/7/12
20th January 2012
To: All Branches and Regional Councils
Dear Colleague,
RMT & TSSA Merger
With reference to the above, the following resolution was carried at the December 2011 Statutory Meeting of the Council of Executives following a meeting between RMT and TSSA which took place on December 2nd 2011.
“That we note that a joint meeting of RMT and TSSA Executives has taken place.
The General Secretary is instructed that our negotiating team is to continue to engage in discussion with the TSSA on the possibility of a merger between our two organisations.
This Council of Executives is of the view that the time is now appropriate to discuss some fundamental items of principle.
Accordingly, our negotiating team and General Secretary in discussions with his counterpart are developed positions obtained on:
1. The annual conference/AGM as the supreme governing body of the new organisation – its defined powers and composition.
2. The role of the Executive body of the new organisation – whether it would be a management and supervisory body or whether it will be responsible for the governance of the Union between AGMs, have complete policy-making powers, control and settle trades disputes and agreements with companies and instruct and oversee the General Secretary;
3. Union officers – whether they will be elected from among the membership and subject to periodic re-election or whether they are to be appointed by the General Secretary;
4. The new organisation’s political framework.
A report from our negotiating team to be placed before the Council of Executives.
Regional Councils and Branches to be advised.”
With reference to the above, the following resolution was carried at the Council of Executives on Thursday 19th January 2012.
“That we endorse the actions of our General Secretary on this issue. We note that informal discussions have taken place with the TSSA General Secretary and our own. We call upon the TSSA to have another Executive Committee meeting with us to discuss the aspects of the proposed merger. After this meeting we instruct the General Secretary to call a meeting of all Regional Council Presidents and Secretaries to consult on where we are at present with the merger discussions. The General Secretary to send out a circular, e-mail and text to all Branches and Regional Councils with this decision.”
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Tuesday 17th January 2012
Circular No. National Policy 003/12/MC
To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.
Dear Colleagues,
New Inflation Rates
The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to December 2011. The next release date will be the 14th February 2012.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 4.8%, down from the 5.2% figure for the twelve months to November 2011.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.2% for the twelve months to December 2011. This is down 0.6% from the figure for the twelve months to November 2011.
The fall in RPI is the largest fall in annual inflation since between May and June 2009. The largest downward pressures to the change in RPI annual inflation between November and December 2011 came from petrol, oil & other fuels, gas and clothing & footwear. Partially offsetting these were upward pressures from car insurance and telephone charges.
In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.
Yours Sincerely
Bob Crow,
General Secretary
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